It's been a bit of an emotional afternoon and evening, as we reflect on where we were two years ago to the date on the start of this medical journey. We're reminded of all the uncertainty we faced early on and the sheer number of unanswered questions as to what was going on with our little girl.  It's been over a year since our last journal update, but with her 4th birthday on the horizon, I felt it right to post an update. 

It's been an emotional ride with it's fair share of ups and downs, but I'm happy to report that we're in a good place, and have been for a while. Dallas has made tremendous progress over the last year and I think it's safe to say that she's, for the most part, back on track with where she should be with her developmental milestones. We have a soon to be "fourn-ager" (think four going on teenager) and are facing the "typical" dilemmas that parents of 3 and 4 year olds have; she doesn't want to nap any longer, thinks she's "all done sleeping for the night" by midnight, wants to do EVERYTHING herself, is stubborn as the day is long, etc. I'll happily take 2024's "problems" over 2022's ANY day of the week. Hands down.

Dallas still receives a monthly infusion of IVIG, as it's believed to act as a hedge against viruses and prevents her immune system from having a response to any sickness, viruses, etc. She does amazing at the multiple hour infusion appointments, and refers to the medicine as her "vitamins". Her neuroimmunologist at UNC Hospital feels that she'll likely continue to receive the infusions for the next few years, though we may eventually start to spread them out to say every 6 or 8 weeks. Dallas has a Cocomellon-themed toy "doctor" kit, which she uses to give checkups to her baby dolls several times a week, including giving them their very own vitamins (shots). I'm happy to report that "Dr. Dallas" keeps her baby dolls in tip top shape... even if she prefers for them to go through the day without clothing! She also continues regular PT/OT sessions weekly and is starting to give Heather a run for her money in strength. Seriously, she's the strongest kid I know!

She's having an overnight this evening with "Pop Pop and Mumsy" (Heather's dad and step-mom), which is allowing us the opportunity to get her final birthday party prep underway for tomorrow ~ a true blessing to have them in our neighborhood! It's been a long week with numerous middle of the night interruptions (because Dallas thinks she'd rather swing outside at 3am, go for a run/walk, or do ANYTHING other than sleep) and I think we're going to use our remaining "free time" to catch up on some much needed rest!

"Carpe Diem!" - Latin aphorism, usually translated as "seize the day!"

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As a reminder, this page is intended for updates only. Please know that “Tributes” made to CaringBridge do not go to Dallas. More than anything, we appreciate your thoughts/prayers and staying connected to cheer on our little girl!